The last area to cover of the linked ones I referenced (Vision/Meaning, Framing/Reframing, Energizing, Connecting and Engaging) is Engaging. On the surface it may sound a lot like connecting, yet there is more going on. In fact it could just as easily be described as presence.
So what is it? Have you ever had the awareness of how things, for better or worse, shifted when certain people entered a room? While it may not be something all of us are aware of it is something I am sure we have all had the opportunity to experience. A good example in a church context is when a true shepherd/pastor is leading a congregation. While many have the title ‘pastor’ not all have the anointing. If a true pastoral anointing is present and operating through a leader the congregation has a sense of being settled or at peace. When that individual is away there is a sense of restlessness or discomfort in the congregation unless someone else with that anointing is present.
On the negative side I remember working in one government ministry where I talked to people about what I saw when the government minister in charge came and went. This individual went on a lot of trips and generated a lot of projects. When they left on a trip the lowering of tension in headquarters was palpable, yet when their return drew near the tension level and anxiety rose significantly because of how they functioned and engaged with others. Their presence did not bring calm or peace.
These are two examples of higher profile leaders, yet to bring this home, what do we release through our presence as we engage with others? Do we release calm and peace or increase anxiety? What is our responsibility in this area and how do we exercise it well? What do the scriptures have to teach us in this area?
When I first mentioned this concept I referenced the scripture below. However, is this just an anomaly?
5 But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. Luke 10:4-6 (NKJV)
It is not an anomaly, we are called to carry His presence to those around us.
18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV) 8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed – 9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 10 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” 11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present. 2 Corinthians 10:8-11 (NKJV)
Given we are called to carry and release His presence where we go it is important to Jesus. Consider that in the example above from 2 Corinthians 10 the preceding verses tell us that the context of Paul’s statements is spiritual warfare. Jesus is in us and the degree to which He has been formed in us (Gal. 4:19) is the degree to which He is able to be released and touch those around us. In addition to his own walk Paul shared this truth with Timothy as well.
6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NKJV)
14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 2 Timothy 1:14 (NKJV)
What we have and what we release is connected to our choices. We may not normally see things like this in the scriptures but they are there if we look. They are important to see as we need to walk in them in leading our lives and impacting our generation. I pray we will walk in wisdom for His glory!
